Ginseng, spice up your food and improve your libido

I was in Tassie last week, travelling around, when I made a wonderful discovery… Ginseng, but not as a stimulant, aphrodisiac, or herbal remedy for sexual dysfunction in men, and type II diabetes.  Nope, I found Ginseng is the most amazing seasoning powder I have ever tasted.  So I thought I would take some time out and explore ginseng today… it is certainly not just what the stereotypes tell us.  In fact I was surprised to find what this powerful little root can do, and impressed with its flavour.

Ginseng is widely known as an ingredient in popular energy drinks and is recognised by herbalists to have strong powers in clinical doses, but did you know Ginseng is actually a plant with a root and a leaf from which dried preparations are usually formed.  The root is the most valuable part of the plant, with the leaf sometimes also finding uses.

Ginseng comes in two major types: American and Panax (Asian). The root is dried and used to make tablets or capsules, extracts, and teas, as well as creams or other preparations for external use. Panax ginseng is the type I discovered in Tassie, so this is what I am going to explore in depth today.

Panax ginseng is believed by many to provide herbal support for the body’s overall health and boost the immune system. Traditional and folk uses of ginseng include improving the health of people recovering from illness; increasing a sense of well-being and stamina; improving both mental and physical performance; treating erectile dysfunction, hepatitis C, reducing symptoms related to menopause;  lowering blood glucose and controlling blood pressure.

The root of Asian ginseng contains active chemical components called ginsenosides (or panaxosides) that are thought to be responsible for the herb’s claimed medicinal properties. In the US, the National Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine are supporting studies to better understand the use of Asian ginseng. Areas of recent NCCAM-funded research include the herb’s potential role in treating insulin resistance, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, all of which are awaiting results.

I visited a small farm called 41° South in Deloraine, Tasmania, in fact I was told I must visit it by my inlaws!  They grow and prepare a Ginseng spice blend contains a mix of spices including Panax ginseng & Tasmanian Mountain Pepper which is grown at 41° South. I am now using this delicious culinary seasoning for meat, fish, salads or you can sprinkle it on sour cream or into olive oil as a dip.